What is self-harm?
Self harm is the term used to describe when someone hurts themselves on purpose or damages their health.
Hurting yourself or self harming can be done in a number of ways. Some examples can include:
- Cutting yourself
- Burning yourself
- Taking too many tablets – or an overdose of tablets
- Taking drugs or drinking too much alcohol
- Starting to get an eating disorder
These are usually signs that someone needs help.
Where to get help for self-harm?
Its important to know that support is out there for anyone who is self-harming or thinking about self-harming. Support is also available for that person’s friends and family.
The best place to ask for help or support is to speak to your/their GP or doctor. There are also free listening services and support organisations you can call too. You can contact listening services such as the Samaritans via Contact Us | Samaritans or by calling 116123. If you would prefer to email someone and write down your thoughts and feelings you can contact the Samaritans by emailing jo@samaratans.org. The Samaritans also have their own self help app – try searching ‘Samaritans self-help app’ and down load it. It has a mood tracker and gives ways to help cope with day to day emotional health.
For general support for your mental health there are also organisations like YoungMinds that have resources on their websites. Young Minds can be accessed via their webpage on Mental Health Support For Young People | YoungMinds
Here on the Isle of Man you also have access to Kooth which is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use. On Kooth you can chat to our friendly counsellors, read articles written by young people, get support from the Kooth community and write in a daily journal. Their website is www.kooth.com